The sister isle of Carriacou came alive on Sunday, October 26, as residents and visitors celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Carriacou Corn Festival — marking both a cultural milestone and the island’s remarkable recovery from Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in 2024.
After the first cancellation in its history last year, the festival’s return was a powerful symbol of renewal, unity, and pride. Since its launch in 2015, the Corn Festival has highlighted the versatility of one of the Caribbean’s most important crops — transforming corn into everything from traditional favorites to creative new treats. This year’s offerings included corn wine, cornmeal ice cream, savory corn puddings, and corn dumplings, underscoring the grain’s central place in local cuisine.
“One of the things we have endeavoured to do is to have something new every year — something different — and we’ve managed to do that over the years,” said Dexter Leggard, Coordinator of the Carriacou Corn Festival. “This year is no exception, as we’re looking at new products we can derive from corn.”
Beyond food, the festival pulsed with culture and tradition. String band music echoed across the venue, while the children’s corn float parade delighted onlookers and passed down the island’s cherished customs to a new generation. Exhibits showcased Carriacou’s agricultural heritage, with displays of hand-held mills and other historical tools that paid tribute to the island’s farming past.
“This year’s Carriacou Corn Festival goes beyond a culinary event — it’s a beacon of cultural resilience and innovation,” said Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Seeing this tradition return in such vibrant form after the challenges of Hurricane Beryl is truly inspiring. We are proud to support Carriacou as it reclaims its space on the cultural map, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its warmth, creativity, and spirit.”
Minister for Tourism, Senator the Hon. Adrian Thomas, also praised the festival’s organizers and the wider community for their commitment to preserving and promoting Carriacou’s cultural identity.
“The success of this year’s Corn Festival is a reminder of the rich traditions and boundless creativity that define Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” Thomas said. “The Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture remains dedicated to turning our cultural heritage into sustainable opportunities that benefit our people and strengthen our nation’s tourism future.”
While this year’s festival celebrated the many ways corn continues to inspire culinary artistry, it also signaled a new chapter in Carriacou’s cultural calendar. The Grenada Tourism Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Carriacou and Petite Martinique as vibrant, culturally rich destinations within the tri-island state.
